GRCC Student Alliance amends guiding document

At the most recent Grand Rapids Community College Student Alliance meeting, President Brandon Sinclair announced the Guiding Document Amendment which clarified and modified some of the responsibilities of the Student Alliance leadership positions. The president of the organization is now officially the media spokesperson of the organization. The president will also meet weekly with the advisor of Student Alliance and at least twice a semester with the school president.

“That’s something really cool that we actually took from Aquinas College where they meet up with them (college president) monthly,” Sinclair said about one of the proposed changes.

The amendments were put to a vote with 22 votes in favor and none opposed.

Jennifer Batten, Chemistry department head, presented on behalf of the Academic Governing Council, outlining the general structure of the organization. Batten focused on how all policies put together by the council are presented to the college provost for approval.

Recently, the AGC reviewed online class structure for GRCC students because of the concerns of higher dropout rates and lower grades for students taking online courses. It was presented that the Accuplacer test for math classes is being merged with a new program referred to as ALEC. This program will allow more flexibility in the taking of the placement test and allow the student to be placed in the appropriate level of math. The withdrawal policy has also been updated to include “severe life issues” such as a death in the family or a students’ house burning down. Students can now be considered for withdrawal of classes after the 70 percent completion point.

The GRCC Campus Activities Board reminded students of the many activities planned for this semester’s final relaxer. Activities will include free food, music by “DJ Big Dog,” various reptiles, a green screen photo booth, t-shirts, a raffle and dance activities. The event will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. April 20 in the Ford Fieldhouse. The festivities will also include a screening of Star Wars The Force Awakens.

CC Cinema will continue with the screening of Star Wars Episode 7 at 8:30 p.m. April 22 outside on the Student Plaza. Students are encouraged to bring outdoor seating, snacks and friends. In case of bad weather, the movie will be shown in the Ford Fieldhouse.